Faith in a Changed World by david.white5261

Faith in a Changed World Antony Mugford November 2020

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The Lord will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

© Antony Mugford First edition compiled and edited by David White Published by BrancoPrint © Majors Antony & Fiona Mugford The Salvation Army Westgate Guisborough TS14 6AW https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/guisborough-citadel

01 December 2020

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My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from?

Prologue In 2020 the whole world was struck with Coronavirus pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China. Countries were a ected in every way of life as lockdowns were advised and imposed, meaning that normal life could not continue. Business, travel, and family life were severely curtailed with impact on so many activities that were just taken for granted. All expressions of Faith ceased in the traditional rituals and formats; impacting greatly on shared fellowship. Fortunately technolo y was available, and expanded, that allowed some virtual contact during social distancing. New expressions of Faith service blossomed not only to the individual, regional, national and, indeed, international congregations but, perhaps more importantly, also to the many new contacts within the wider communities. The world-wide Salvation Army took virtual reality to its heart. Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford, the Commanding O cers of Guisborough Citadel, UK grasped this opportunity with daily ministry to both the Corps Fellowship and a much wider community via Facebook, YouTube and Zoom; reaching many hundreds of people, not only locally but nationally and internationally. Each Sunday, and other special Christian occasions, online services were also produced. This booklet is a collection of those daily â&#x20AC;&#x153;letters" shared to an audience that remarkably grew exponentially; thus contacting, and helping, many hundreds of people during the Coronavirus lockdown. What an opportunity of witness these â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lettersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; proved to be! Although initially it was never expected that this period would be so extended. We can only hope and pray that the short-term bene t will lead to a longer-term commitment and blessing. David White

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Sunday services

ach Sunday, rather than having another reading, Majors Antony and Fiona lead online worship, Together in Worship.

These services including Good Friday were added to the Guisborough Salvation Army Church Youtube channel and are all still available; the links being: Sunday 29 March https://youtu.be/odOTyJm9Zdk

Sunday 19 July

https://youtu.be/kkiDXn2gZ0w

Sunday 05 April https://youtu.be/NPog17ifg1Q

Sunday 26 July

https://youtu.be/FXoJcnctB4k

Friday 10 April

https://youtu.be/Iw5RMOH31wY

Sunday 02 Aug

https://youtu.be/VOyQAKXTKBQ

Sunday 12 April

https://youtu.be/rT_hDb0hVrU

Sunday 30 Aug

https://youtu.be/Ub3aB5zm79g

Sunday 19 April https://youtu.be/i1xPyZaCaP4

Sunday 06 Sept https://YouTube.be/uH_BvCDjC61

Sunday 26 April https://youtu.be/LSTWnPwR0rI

Sunday 13 Sept

https://youtu.be/e2Kelrlmevo

Sunday 03 May

https://youtu.be/Wq7HW__ODDI

Sunday 20 Sept

https://youtu.be/AskEbymbPml

Sunday 10 May

https://youtu.be/kLCOtac ypo

Sunday 27 Sept

https://youtu.be/o3jzHxf-n94

Sunday 17 May

https://youtu.be/5st0tT1mTKU

Sunday 04 Oct

https://youtu.be/ltE4MPBnuZU

Sunday 24 May

https://youtu.be/UkONp8OL0io

Sunday 11 Oct

https://youtu.be/nr3ON8ldxLo

Sunday 31 May

https://youtu.be/t8kzJcsoNOw

Sunday 18 Oct

https://youtu.be/qC3D1ml76sQ

Sunday 07 June

https://youtu.be/bUkmshG9ktQ

Sunday 25 Oct

Territorial Congress (see below)

Sunday 14 June

https://youtu.be/2U5BemQMD9s

Sunday 01 Nov

https://youtu.be/LH1xhq4vPi0

Sunday 21 June

https://youtu.be/r2bUU8JZ_gA

Sunday 08 Nov

https://youtu.be/8eD3Fk8N_zk

Sunday 28 June

https://youtu.be/wDH2cTBnTX0

Sunday 15 Nov

https://youtu.be/OORDDe8Woik

Sunday 05 July

https://youtu.be/zTgUJCQ1Zmg

Sunday 22 Nov

https://youtu.be/1jEZul3Rp6Q

Sunday 12 July

https://youtu.be/P66ecteLpR4

Sunday 29 Nov

https://youtu.be/jlf2JTwcl60

‘LIGHT, LIFE, LOVE’ WAS THE INSPIRING THEME AND FOCUS OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S TERRITORIAL CONGRESS SATURDAY 24 AND SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER 2020. With Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham supported by Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill. There was no Together in Worship on Sunday 24 October, so we invite you to watch the Congress Youtube Saturday and Sunday meetings and share with others seeking to grow in their faith and be equipped to share the good news of God’s love in their lives and local communities. Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill chose the inspiring theme for the Congress weekend after reflecting on the words of General Albert Osborn, found in The Salvation Army Song Book (number 742): Light, life and love are in that healing fountain. All I require to cleanse me and restore, Flow through my soul, redeem its desert places And make a garden there for the Lord I adore. Commissioner Anthony says: “Light, life and love are powerful words that will be reflected in many ways across the weekend. With so much uncertainty in our world, our congress will be an opportunity to be refreshed in God’s presence as we worship, pray and study his word. There will be time to give thanks for who and where we are as a church and to mobilise and equip us for being part of God's plan for his Kingdom here and now. “We are called to be a Salvation Army where God is glori ied and visibly at work, shaping us into disciples of Jesus Christ. If you are ready to ind out more about this life then share in the Congress. And share it with others, too! “Be ready to receive and be open to the speaking of the Spirit. Congress really is a life-changing opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and to introduce someone to the gospel message for the irst time. It is exciting to look ahead and imagine what God has in store!" https://www.youtube.com/user/salvationarmyvideo

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2 November 2020

ello everyone, and welcome to the irst of our daily thoughts for November. NOVEMBER! When I wrote the very irst of these back in March, on the irst day of the lockdown, I had no idea that just about seven and a half months later I would still be writing, let alone that we would be about to enter a new national lockdown (Thursday of this week). On that irst day - it was also a Monday - I wanted to write words that encouraged, that gave some hope, that lifted the mind and heart to God, and perhaps even brought someone to faith in Christ. As we continue this ongoing situation, that will still be my aim. So, November: a month for remembering 'Remember, remember the ifth of November, Of gunpowder, treason and plot...' And, more signi icantly, 'We will remember them!' It's important to remember even the bad things. Yesterday I read a comment that we should ban ireworks because we should no longer be commemorating an era when people fought over religious differences... Hmmm, apart from the fact that nobody actually seems to talk about Guy Fawkes anymore, I think the writer has failed to remember that Guy Fawkes night actually celebrated a victory over an act of radical terrorism that, had it succeeded, would have assassinated the King and murdered the entire British Parliament. Imagine that happening at a modern State Opening of Parliament! We remember (or we used to) because we resisted an evil act. It's similar with Remembrance Sunday. It's solemn but inspiring. It's an occasion for pride in our forces but of sorrow over our losses. In resisting evil and remembering those who died for freedom, we keep in mind the reason why we have, and always want, peace in our time. If we forget the past we might ind ourselves repeating it. In this month of remembering, and as we literally embark on a month of lockdown that will affect us all, can I ask you to remember one thing? God also remembers. The Bible repeats on numerous occasions words like 'And God remembered Noah,' God remembered Abraham,' 'God remembered Rachel.' He remembered Israel too. If he can remember a whole nation of individual people he will remember you! God will never forget. We might forget things, including the reason we do them. God never does that. We might remember things, and continually honour the past. God always does that. And in the days of lockdown when you can't go out, when you haven't been able to see someone let alone hold their hand or hug them, on the days when it feels there is nobody to turn to, and you feel forgotten about. Always remember this: God remembers you. There could almost be a Bible verse about you. You could say this out loud, inserting your own name: 'And God remembered..........' Remember: God is still on the throne, And He will remember His own; Though trials may press us and burdens distress us, He never will leave us alone; God is still on the throne, And He will remember His own; His promise is true, He will not forget you, God is still on the throne. God bless you today and in the days that lie ahead. Please phone if you need anything, even a chat; I'm usually at home! (01287 632921) Or message us here. Don't feel alone or forgotten. đ&#x;&#x2122;? đ&#x;&#x2122;? Â

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3 November 2020

orning all, from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

I have some terrible news from my hometown..It a ects us all. They are turning o Blackpool Illuminations! Yes, really! For the rst time since they were turned o for the war years, Blackpool promenade will be plunged in darkness. Yes, the prom was always cold, wet and windy; but at least for those few miles from Bispham in the North, down past the three piers and the Tower, to Starr Gate in South Shore there were bright, coloured, row upon row of twinkling lights and glowing patterns re ected in the puddles. From Thursday it will be just well cold, wet, windy - and DARK! Well, of course, with the lockdown who was going to be there to walk under the lights eating meat and potato pie and chips in a tray with gravy? Who was going to ride the illuminated trams that look like rockets or paddle steamers? Who was going to buy the kids candy oss and rock as they gazed at the bright lights? The darkness will now take over. Or will it? I read that Blackpool Tower will still be illuminated! It will be 'a symbol of hope and optimism'. I like that. You can see the Tower from at least 8 miles away during the day. At night that hopeful symbol will still be seen by the residents of Blackpool, and the Fylde borough, to remind them that the darkness hasn't completely engulfed Blackpool. You can see where I'm going with this :) The verse we often use in Christmas services says that 'the light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not overcome it.' I looked at the news headlines this morning. Oh my goodness, terrorist attacks all over, a typhoon, people searching for earthquake victims, oods... Some might say the darkness is winning, but then others might say that like Blackpool Tower there's a beacon of light. In fact, there are many beacons of light that would give hope and optimism if they were only publicised with as much intensity as the media publicises the bad news. God and his people are the many, many points of light in a dark world. The lights might be going out in Blackpool but our conviction and our experience is that the light of Christ in life is never extinguished, never overcome, never hidden or smothered. Look for the light, turn to it. The Bible says live in it, 'walk in the light'. Why, because as the Psalmist writes 'If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.' Refuse to live in the dark. Let God ood your heart with light. That's the source of hope and optimism for these days. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;? Â

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4 November 2020

midweek Good Morning to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona đ&#x;&#x2122;&#x201A;

A big day in America! I guess you could say it's a big day for the world too because whoever is elected President, whichever political party is given power, we will all feel it somehow. I have always voted and I guess that most of you have too. Sometimes we've been delighted with the result, sometimes we've been disappointed. But we are all glad of the regular opportunity to contribute to the decision, to exercise our democratic responsibility. Choice is a valuable thing in democratic countries; it must be awful to be in a country where the choice is limited or where there's no choice at all. Sometimes the choice is dif icult. Thoughtful people weigh up the issues, the policies. Many are convinced all along and it's easy to choose. We vote according to preference, to our personal values, our assessment of whose policies we believe are the right ones. Often, our opinions about which party gets our vote depends on who we think is the better leader. In that case our vote depends on character, integrity, past performance. Can we trust him/her, do we even like them? Christian people are called to be involved in this process of course, but also to pray. Paul says we must pray 'for kings and all those in authority'. That's remarkable seeing that the 'king' at the time was an Emperor who persecuted Christians! He certainly would not have got their vote! Pray therefore for our government, pray for the US too; it does affect us. We are called to choose. The Kingdom of God is not a democracy of course. God doesn't present commandments for us to vote on (though it seems some church goers wrongly feel they can pick or choose which bits of the Bible don't apply to them). God has set out his plan, his purposes, and he will carry it out. What he does ask is that we choose to follow him, to honour him. He loves the world and asks us to love him. Through the words of the Bible he says, 'Choose this day whom you will serve.' It really is our choice. And looking at his love, his faithfulness, his compassion; knowing his truth and justice, and being glad in his saving power, why would we not choose to follow Christ and choose to be citizens of his kingdom, members of his family? The response to the choice that's given to us can be 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' Who gets your vote? Lord of all, the world and all its fullness belongs to you. You created it out of love, you care for us with faithfulness and save us by grace; who else is like you. And yet, Lord, you ask for the love of my heart; you ask me to invite you into my life, and you call me to serve you. It's my choice. How can I not respond to your grace? Each day I con irm that I follow you, I give my allegiance to you: you are the Lord of my life and I love only you and serve you alone. Today, I simply say, 'I love you Lord.' Amen. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, All ye that are upright in heart; And ye that have made Him your choice, Bid sadness and sorrow depart. Rejoice, rejoice, Be glad in the Lord and rejoice; God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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5 November 2020

ood morning all! There's a bit of a feeling of deja vu today as we enter a second lockdown. The good news is that it's not as strict as the irst and hopefully won't last as long! Nevertheless, please stay at home if you can, wash those hands, wear your face-covering, and keep praying! I have been bemused these last few days by some leaders questioning the government decision to close places of worship; most of you will be aware of course that out of the churches in Guisborough only two have been open in recent months; we understand why they felt compelled to do so, because their central act of worship, the Eucharist, is impossible to do on Zoom or Youtube. Many churches however have not opened their buildings, basically because of social distancing and the rules about singing, etc. We miss meeting together for worship, we miss it terribly! But we are still the church; We have not been cancelled because, for good reasons, we cannot meet together. I came across the picture here about what we can still be as a Church. I thought it important to share with you. Be encouraged! We are still God's people, we are still able to worship God. It's a different kind of worship, granted, but your prayers, and your calling to be the people of God where you are, are still there. Church is not cancelled! On this irst day of the second lockdown I went right back to the very irst of these daily thoughts to see what I wrote on that day when an unknown future stretched ahead of us. I repeat it again here from March 24th: "Well today we wake up to a very new experience - the sun is shining, for once it's not blowing a gale in Guisborough! - and we are as good as in 'lockdown'. We will all try to carry on from home, or in brief visits outside to shop for the essentials, for work if we need to, to care for someone in need, or for limited exercise. But one thing we will not do is be afraid. It's not an English stiff upper lip thing - it's because we in The Salvation Army believe in a God who has all things in his hand, and we would encourage you to think of him at this time, to trust in him, to pray to him - talk to him as you would a respected friend. Why not pray this prayer this morning: Dear Heavenly Father, you made me and you love me. You know my situation, you know my thoughts and feelings. You feel with me all my fears and concerns at this time of uncertainty. Will you help me, give me faith in your love? I pray for myself, for my health and other needs. I pray for my family, my friends, my work colleagues. And I pray for our town. Lord, may this situation soon come to an end. I thank you for the health service and all those who try to care for people at this time. Give them the strength they need. Lord Jesus, help me to believe in you; because in your life, death and resurrection we see hope and redemption for all who believe. I ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen" I ended that prayer with the assurance that Fiona and I are here, available to chat on the phone. I will add today that we can visit in certain circumstances if needed, with protection and distancing of course. Be there for each other, text and phone each other. Above all, pray for one another. Don't forget the Together in Worship videos and the Bible study on a Wednesday evening - all are welcome to that. God bless you all. đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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6 November 2020

orning all!

It's lovely to wake up and in the stillness of a new day notice how peaceful it all is. The sky is glowing, birds are singing, the same lady walks past who is there every morning like clockwork... And as usual I have woken up with music going round my head! Do you get that too? As you lie there slowly coming out of sleep you realise there's a tune. And not just a whole tune either, just a snippet that's on repeat! This morning if you're interested I woke up an hour ago with a Salvation Army band marching round my head! What were they playing, you ask? The march 'Exeter Temple' I reply; and as I write this they are still playing that one particular section. It's very good but I wish they'd move onto something else!! Music and song in the morning is a frequent theme in the Bible. I wonder if the people who wrote the Psalms often woke up 'with the sound of the trumpet' and 'the clash of the cymbals' like I have this morning! In the New Testament Paul writes about singing and making music in your heart to the Lord... That's it! That's what happens! We wake up with music in our hearts. Maybe it's the brain's way of stimulating itself back to working order, or maybe it's God putting a joyful noise in mind so we can begin to praise him for a new day. David writes: My heart is con dent in you. No wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song!

(Psalm 57 v 7)

There you are, a song of praise from a con dent heart that accompanies the dawn. What's interesting is that Psalm 57 was written by David whilst he was hiding in a cave, eeing for his life from the murderous King Saul. He's terri ed of this 'disaster' (v1) and describes Saul's soldiers as 'lions, ravenous beasts' (v 4). And yet as the sun comes up on a new day of fear and danger, David is singing. His heart is con dent because God is there. That's faith! And what an encouraging word for us. Today, let your heart be lled with song. More than that, let it be lled with praise to God that will give con dence and the assurance that God is with you, whatever happens. Father God, you have put music in my heart and a song of praise in my mouth. Help me to keep singing and to know joy and peace today. You know there are days when I'm worried, you know the uncertainty I face and the burden that often seems heavy. On those days let the music be louder than my worries, let the song last longer than my fears, and let my heart be con dent and my mind be at rest. In my praise may I be lled with the knowledge and the sense of your presence. And may I still be singing at the end of the day. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you all đ&#x;&#x2122;? P.S. If you want to know what Exeter Temple sounds like it's here: https://youtu.be/SCFBc4k0vGo

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7 November 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's the weekend again and it's Song Saturday.

This week I'm featuring a song that isn't in our Salvation Army songbook, though I really do wish it was. I can understand why it isn't, but at the same time the second verse is based solidly on Scripture and Christian faith. It's I Vow to thee My Country and you'll hear it featured tomorrow in 'Together in Remembrance'. The music of course is absolutely beautiful. It's from The Planets Suite by Gustav Holst, and is the theme of 'Jupiter'. In my opinion it's one of the most beautiful pieces of music. The melody is entitled 'Thaxted' and was adapted to accompany the words of a poem by Cecil Spring Rice, "The City of God", or "The Two Fatherlands". The poem described how a Christian owes his loyalties to both his homeland and the heavenly kingdom. In The Salvation Army we have an entirely di erent piece of music that re ects a similar thought: a brass band march entitled 'Under Two Flags'. It con dently and proudly proclaims the Salvationist's loyalty to the Union Jack and to the Blood and Fire banner. You'll hear some of that tomorrow too. I Vow to thee My Country is, of course, a very gentle but inspiring song, and it's the second verse that I particularly like. It speaks of 'another country', 'most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know'. That's the Kingdom of God that His people belong to. It's here now in the hearts of those who love him, those who try to live out and promote it's values, but it's also a coming Kingdom that will come fully when Christ returns. The song tells us that this other country is one of faithful hearts, of gentleness and peace. That phrase is loosely based on Proverbs 3 v 17: 'Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.' I like the thought of 'another country'. It's a place of belonging, a place that we long for, that we look forward to. It's a place here and now where 'soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase'. It re ects the Bible's thought that what we have here in this world, all that we experience, is not 'all there is', it's not our permanent home, for there is a city, a country, built by God's own hands. 'For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.' (Hebrews 13 v 14) One day we will be fully there, we shall see God and as the book of Revelation reminds us: 'Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Revelation 21) Let's be encouraged by the hope of that coming Kingdom. I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; The love that asks no questions, the love that stands the test, That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, The love that makes undaunted the nal sacri ce.

And there's another country, I've heard of long ago, Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is su ering; And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.

God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;? from Antony & Fiona. See you tomorrow for 'Together in Remembrance'' from 10am here on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvu76j4HqGWe9B2cDXK6tvA

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9 November 2020

orning everyone. Wasn't yesterday strange!

At mid-morning the feeling came over me that I needed to get my uniform on because I was late for the Remembrance parade, even though I knew there wasn't one. At least we were able to remember online or watch on the television. It's always struck me as strange that unless we have family among the names inscribed on the war memorial we don't know who these men were. Do you ever look at the names on a memorial and wonder who they were, what they looked like, what their voices sounded like? Do you wonder where they lived, what work they did, or for some, what school they had just left? I'm sad that usually it's just a surname and initial. I wish we knew the name their family and friends called them by... We remember what they did, what they gave, nonetheless. Today at around 2pm we will lay our Salvation Army wreath at the war memorial to remember them. I'm always moved by the story of the Unknown Warrior. An anonymous young man who will remain nameless forever, buried with full honours and at whose grave the Queen bows her head. I wonder what that soldier's mother, whoever she was, would think of that. Known Unto God. Rudyard Kipling came up with that phrase seen on so many Commonwealth War Graves. I've seen a few on our visits to the military cemeteries in France. It's so sad for the families, but there is comfort and assurance in those words. And it's true. We are all known to him. There's nothing about us he doesn't know - and he loves us still. Think of that. He knows our name and loves us, and gave his Son so that we might come to know him and love him too. But so many forget him. Here is God our Maker, our Redeemer and Friend. He has called us by name, shall we forget him? I have a Maker He formed my heart Before even time began My life was in his hands

He knows my name He knows my every thought He sees each tear that falls And He hears me when I call

I have a Father I have a Father He calls me His own He'll never leave me No matter where I go Tommy Walker ÂŠ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

God bless you today đ&#x;&#x2122;? Always here if you need anything.

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10 November 2020

ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

When I was a little boy I had a child's book of Greek mytholo y, and one particular story stuck in my mind: the story of Pandora's Box. It had been given to her and her husband Epimetheus by Zeus, who wanted to test them. The instruction was that the box was never to be opened, but of course curiosity got the better of her and she opened it. Out ew all the evils of the world - sickness, hatred, fear, etc... Pandora was horri ed by what she'd done; but then nally one more thing ew out from the bottom of the empty box: hope. People usually talk about Pandora's Box and how it's a story of how evil came into the world but it seems the last bit is always left out. There's always hope. Admittedly, for many people hope is little more than wishful thinking. They hope things will improve. 'The sun will come out tomorrow', or like Dickens' Mr Micawber, 'Something will turn up.' The last few months I guess many of us have had hope that something would indeed turn up. We have masks and hand sanitiser, we have lockdowns and closures, all in the hope that the R Rate will go down and this pesky virus would disappear! As we have trudged on the realisation in the minds of some is that our only hope is in a vaccine. We have heard little snippets of news over the months but yesterday, suddenly, the BBC reported it, the PM and Professor Van Tam suddenly appeared on the telly to tell us about a 90% e ective vaccine. Or at least the hope of one. Yes, it's there but not yet. The prospect is real. In the words of Professor Van Tam, 'This is like getting to the end of the playo nal, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone to penalties, the rst player goes up and scores the goal. You havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t won the cup yet, but it tells you the goalkeeper can be beaten.' That's a great de nition of hope. The Bible talks about hope in concrete terms. We have a 'sure and certain hope'. Hope ' does not disappoint us.' We are encouraged to 'hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.' The hope that people who trust in God possess is so much more than the 'somewhere over the rainbow' kind of stu . It's more like the hope based on evidence that was displayed yesterday in the news of a hoped-for, planned-for vaccine. Christian hope is a knowledge, a certainty, a con dent assurance that God has the future held secure. Hold his hand, trust him. All is going to be well. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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11 November 2020

ello again everyone. I'm sitting here as usual looking at the sunrise, watching the clouds racing across a lovely pink and orange sky.

We often think how lovely creation is; how often do we include ourselves in that beauty? Fiona and I have discovered a programme on the television called 'Inside the Factory', presented by Greg Wallace. It's simply a walk-through of the factory process of the production of tea, co ee, croissants (they are the ones we've seen so far), baked beans, toilet rolls, crisps...The list goes on. I'm hoping to see the one where they make cherry bakewells! Now, the concept might sound rather dull, but these programmes are absolutely fascinating! They take you, for example, from the delivery of the co ee beans (they are actually the stones from the co ee cherry) right through to the packing of the jars for delivery and the lorries driving away. Are you still with me? Don't be bored, I've been amazed to see how complicated and involved and varied the process is just to make co ee granules. I never imagined that so much was done. It's truly remarkable. It's made my mug of Douwe Egberts every morning taste that much better! If I could dare to steal a phrase from Scripture, I'd say that every freeze-dried co ee granule is 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' OK, it's a phrase used by David in Psalm 139 v 14 to describe human beings. We are all, each one of us, created and fashioned by God in ways we cannot fully comprehend. Biolo y can understand the workings of our bodies, psycholo y is beginning to understand the ways we think, but what of the heart, the soul? Who can understand the depths of what it is to be 'us'? Well, God knows. He knows our name, as I've mentioned before; but that is much deeper than knowing what we're called. He sees into the depths of our mind, he searches the heart, he touches our spirit. There's nothing about us - light or dark - that he doesn't know. And he understands, he has compassion, he cares; and he loves us perfectly and beautifully. We truly are 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' Is that not reassuring? It is to me. To know that he understands my inmost being, that he knows the limits of my body, the fragilities of my mind, the longings of my soul, is a comfort. When I fall, when I am weak or I don't understand myself, when illness or di cult burdens are mine, I am relieved to remember that 'He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.' (Psalm 103 v 14) Because he understands, he hears each prayer, o ers his help, assures us of his grace and mercy. A favourite Salvation Army song of mine ts today's thought so well. I leave it with you for your encouragement. It mentions that sometimes 'through his people God himself is close beside you'. That's very true, and if we can be of help just let us know. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;? Do you sometimes feel that no one truly knows you, And that no one understands or really cares? Through his people, God himself is close beside you, And through them he plans to answer all your prayers.

Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling, Who is careless of our loneliness and pain, Through the ministry of men he gives his healing, In their dedicated hands brings hope again.

Refrain: Someone cares, someone cares, Someone knows your deepest need, your burden shares; Someone cares, someone cares, God himself will hear the whisper of your prayers.

https://youtu.be/zngKAJRwCTU

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12 November 2020

ood morning everyone. Hope you slept well.

We've got to the stage now where most of us are getting up in the dark. For some of us it's OK, for others it can be a struggle; you might not be a morning person, and darkness at 7am is not helpful! I quite like the morning and as I walked into the dark living room and opened the blinds I was struck by the brightness not only of the crescent moon, but also the star that accompanied it. It really was bright. And straightaway came into my mind the words and tune of a song: He's the Lily of the Valley, the bright and Morning Star, He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul. The Bible calls Jesus the Morning Star - in fact that's what Jesus calls himself: I am the bright morning star. (Revelation 22 v 16) But of course it's just an image, a symbol; we don't worship a star and call it Jesus like ancient people worshipped the stars and the moon and the sun, believing they were gods. Jesus also said 'I am the bread of life,' and 'I am the vine', 'I am the good shepherd.' We can talk about bread and shepherds but what's the meaning of Jesus Christ - dare I write it: 'Superstar'? Because in essence, that's what he's saying. The real morning star is of course the planet Venus. After the moon it's the brightest light in the night sky as it re ects the light of the sun. It always appears just before dawn, and was taken as a sign by ancient people that the sun was not far behind and soon the night would be over. Maybe those whose nights were long and di cult were glad when the morning star appeared, soon followed by the lightening of the sky as the sun rose. In the book of Revelation it's a reminder to us that Jesus, the light of the world is the herald of a new day. It could be said that his birth was the dawning of new light in the world, and would say too that when Jesus returns, he again will be like a star heralding the end of the night 'on that bright and cloudless morning.' I think that for us, both in of our personal life and situations, and broadly speaking for our world today, to speak of Jesus the Morning Star is to speak of hope. Hope is a con dent assurance that all will be well. Hope is a decision that we make to believe that God has things in his control. Hope is to refuse to allow ourselves to think that the darkness is never ending; how can it be when Jesus is the light of the world? The darkness can not, shall not overcome the light. The morning star will always shine to herald a new day and Jesus is our guarantee that God's promise of a new day, a new blessing, a new start, a new opportunity, will always be ful lled in the lives of all of us who look for his light. Lord Jesus, light of the world, shine your light on me today. In my life, in my family, in my circumstances, let the light of love and hope shine brightly. Let that light shine on those who need to follow a new path, those who walk in a dark place and who need the light of life. On those days when there does seem to be gloom and hopelessness, may the promise of the morning star bring faith and the assurance that you will come to bless and guide. Lord, we look up to watch for your coming again to our dark world. We have your promise of a new dawn one day when the world will see your light. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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13 November 2020

ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Friday again. How the days seem to pass by quickly!

Last night was our family quiz night on Zoom. We started this during the rst lockdown, and with a week or two for breaks because of work or people being unavailable, we've taken turns in setting rounds of questions. I have to say that out of the seven of us who gather in this way it's usually Yours Truly who comes last đ&#x;Ľş Well what do they expect if there's a sports round!! One of our sons maintains that there's no use in a quiz if you don't learn something. In fact, he says, putting the quiz together, compiling the questions should be a learning experience. And he's right. It's all great fun - especially when Dad loses again ( though not last night I'm pleased to report!) - but it's good to learn something new. Did you know that to be 'adrift' on board a ship means to be late? Anyway, asking questions is always a good way to learn. That's what they say at school or in training: if you're not sure of something, ask! We should never be afraid to ask questions. I have to say though that over the last few months I have been exasperated by questions asked by news reporters. Sometimes I got the feeling that they ignored what was just said and then asked an obvious question just to make a point. Or they asked a question couched in words of criticism, or that showed they were never going to believe the answer. It's frustrating to listen to such cynicism and so I don't watch anymore. When we ask questions to learn something it really is important that we hear what's said and have an open mind, trusting the one who is answering. Imagine a child asking the teacher if he's sure he's teaching correctly! Life itself is full of questions and there are as many people all too willing to o er answers as there are people asking. Who is the authority, who do we trust? And when it comes to matters of faith, things of life, is there an ultimate authority? Well yes, Christians believe that the Bible is that authority. Billy Graham in all his hugely successful and powerful sermons would stand before the crowd, Bible in hand, and simply declare, 'The Bible says...!' No question about it; it's the only authority we can safely rely on, and it has never given a wrong answer, a misleading statement to anyone who has searched its pages sincerely and with an open heart. 'Call to me,' says God, 'and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.' ( Jeremiah 33 v 3) What questions do you have? What answers do you look for? The Bible has the answer, or it has the principle that will shine a light of truth. But we must enquire with that open mind, ready to believe, trust, and sometimes obey the answer. We can be assured of this: he who is the Way, the Truth and the Life will never leave us without an answer. Psalm 119: I obey your word instead of following a way that leads to trouble. You have been my teacher, and I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reject your instructions. Your teachings are sweeter than honey. They give me understanding and make me hate all lies. Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk. May the light of God's word reveal the answer to our questions. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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14 November 2020

orning all from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's Song Saturday once more, when we take a sneak peak

at one of the songs that will be featured in tomorrow's Together in

Worship. As you can see below, it's 'As Water to the Thirsty.' This is beautiful poetry and each phrase, each line speaks of contrasts, of how one thing gives way to something better, something more beautiful, more bene icial, more satisfying . A phrase springs to mind from Psalm 103 v 2: 'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his bene its...' The thought there is that what God gives is always a 'bene it', literally something good that God does. Would God give something less than what we already have? Of course not. In the language of poetry, to the thirsty he gives water, to the weak he gives strength; his blessings come like sunshine after the rain and the feeling of coming home to the weary traveller. He is all these things to the believing, trusting heart. Some of you might know that as well as being very short-sighted I am also mildly colour-blind. Simply put, I don't see the full spectrum of all the shades of colour as most people do. I saw a video once of a man who was given a special pair of glasses that corrected his colour blindness. He looked in wonder at the depth and variety of the colours all around him, said, 'Is this what you all see?', and promptly burst into tears. This is something of what Timothy Dudley-Smith was trying to convey in his beautiful song that we will hear sung tomorrow, and have the opportunity to sing along with. There is a very real sense that coming to believe in Jesus really makes a difference to our life. St Paul said that it's like becoming a new person - the old life has gone, the new life has come. Jesus himself talked about being 'born again'. To so many people the prospect of a new beginning, a new outlook on life and leaving the old life in the past has been the best thing that ever happened. 'I once was (colour)blind but now I see!’ God really can make a life different - 'He can take your life as he did mine and make it anew', Salvationists often sing. The lyrics of the song don't just list a set of changes, there is a sense of longing, of yearning in the words. I'm sure that within each of us there is that longing to be accepted, loved, given a new start, a blessing that we could ind nowhere else. When we look for all that we need, all we want in Jesus, then he blesses us with this new life. Read the words today, join us tomorrow to hear how it sounds, but most of all, may the experience of God's love and grace be 'as water to the thirsty' for you. May God bless you, See you tomorrow at 10 - watch for the link. As water to the thirsty, As beauty to the eyes, As strength that follows weakness, As truth instead of lies; As songtime and springtime and summertime to be, So is my Lord, my living Lord, So is my Lord to me.

Like moonlight and starlight And sunlight on the sea, So is my Lord, my living Lord, So is my Lord to me. As sleep that follows fever, As gold instead of grey, As freedom after bondage, As sunrise to the day; As home to the traveller And all he longs to see, So is my Lord, my living Lord, So is my Lord to me.

Like calm in place of clamour, Like peace that follows pain, Like meeting after parting, Like sunshine after rain;

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16 November 2020

ood morning everyone. Happy Monday from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

I suppose if I were to summarise to an enquirer what these daily posts are all about I would answer that they are written to encourage, to bring hope, to lift the eyes and the heart to God and to strengthen faith. It's all focused on the Bible of course and not my own opinions. If I can share something to encourage faith then I'm glad. I do realise of course that not everyone believes. Some people would like to believe, while others are dead against religious faith. Some people nd it hard to believe because of past experience, while others have simply never given it much thought. There's no virtue in saying we believe; it's not an achievement to have faith, it's not a matter of personal goodness. St Paul writes, 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.' (Ephesians 2 v 8,9). A lot has to do with temperament, upbringing, any amount of personal experience. It's all to do with the grace of God. I have great sympathy for those who want to believe. There are those who are very cynical and mock Christians for their belief in 'the sky fairy' or reading 'a book of ction'. I can't o er such closed minds anything, I'm afraid; but there are those who struggle with genuine doubts, who long to believe, who even say that they envy those who have a strong faith. Do you sometimes nd it hard to believe? Unanswered prayer often discourages us, a bad example in others might make faith less attractive. There are so many reasons and it's not simple 'unbelief'. What does God say in those times? He just asks us to seek, to call on him. 'For those who seek him are sure to nd him, And none who seek him Christ ignores'. This morning, at the start of a new week let me encourage you by saying that God understands our times of doubt. Jesus met a lot of people who wanted to believe but couldn't, or who asked for help in their unbelief. One of his own followers refused to believe 'until I see...'. Does it help to know that even Jesus had signi cant doubts and struggled to understand? In times of doubt he simply asks that we believe that he 'is'. That's the beginning of faith. Believe he is there. As the writer to the letter to the Hebrews says: ...'believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.' (Hebrews 11 v 6) This week, whether you are secure in your faith, or whether you're searching or even struggling, just believe. Keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking and you will receive, you will nd and the door will be opened for you. Father, you are not far from those who seek you, those who call on you. Help me to remember that faith is not something I have to create for myself but is a gift to those who simply ask and seek. This week help me to know something of that faith that will lead me closer to you. Whatever this week brings to me let me always nd you there. I believe you are with me, may that simple faith lead me into an experience of strength and con dence in your loving presence. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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ello again to you all. Another new day. We pray it will be good!

How are you for faces and names? I have to confess that I'm not always great at remembering names. Have you ever talked to someone who seems to know you but you really don't remember them? Then a detail comes into the conversation and *ping* you've remembered! I recall a telephone conversation I once had with a lady I didn't know well and we were chatting away and I asked her about a particular situation and her answer was a little vague and the conversation moved on...It was only later in the day that I realised that as we spoke I'd had someone else in mind. I thought I was talking to a totally di erent person. I was hearing someone else speak, I was picturing a di erent face, a whole di erent life! So when I mentioned a situation it was no wonder she was a bit vague in her answer; she must have wondered what I was on about. Conversation is so much easier when you know who you're talking to, don't you think? đ&#x;&#x2122;&#x201A; Yesterday I mentioned a group of people who do not believe and who I've read might refer to God as a ctional character; the term 'sky fairy' has been used. I've heard people say they don't believe in God but when challenged to describe their view of God it's a god that isn't one I believe in either! The Bible has given us a lot of descriptions of God and they are usually human descriptions; they are ways of talking about him so that we can relate to him. Some of them are symbolic - he's a rock, for example. He's a light. He could be described as a mother bird sheltering her young. The one we use very often is that of Father. It carries with it the connotations of bring cared for, protected, provided for and loved. But still there are those who might nd that challenging. I listened to a chaplain once talking about a young girl who was terminally ill. She had been so badly treated by her father and brothers that she had no love for them at all. All fathers in her eyes were unloving and cruel. The chaplain said that in conversation he discovered that she rejected all thought of God as Father. That's so sad. But then she was told about Jesus the good shepherd. There she found an image of God, a symbol of God that attracted her. It called to her and it seemed to answer her longings for love. She could see herself as a lamb, held gently and protected. She didn't need to reject God because she couldn't know a Father, she could know him as shepherd and receive him in her nal days as the one who loved her. Though we have never seen him, we can know him in a way that speaks deeply and personally to us. How do you picture God, imagine the love, the compassion, the grace? Think on these things. Allow yourself to know God's presence and character. However God seems to you in the images and descriptions in the Bible, that's how you can know and love him. Thank you Lord for the ways you love me, the ways I can know you. Through Jesus himself I can know your love, your gentleness, your kindness and grace. As I see you, God - friend, Father, brother, shepherd, King, counsellor, mother, rock, anchor, gentle dove - in all these images I can see you. May they be an encouragement today. Amen. God bless you. đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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17 November 2020

18 November 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

I am sitting here with my mug of co ee, in the sure and certain hope that the darkness of 6.30 will give way to the rising sun. It's a hope I hold, knowing I need do nothing, can do nothing to make it happen. But it's good to look forward to a bright new day! There's another kind of prospect that we actually work for, that takes e ort by ourselves or from others. We still personally have high hopes for it but sometimes we have to be involved, or encourage others, in the changes that we want to see. I've been encouraged by the progress that seems to be happening with vaccines for the virus. The experts are working hard and that gives us hope. On 10th November I wrote about hope and how Professor Van Tam used a footballing metaphor, saying that with the positive news of a 90% e ectual vaccine it was like the rst penalty being scored. Well, other laboratories are also saying there's progress. The American biotech rm Moderna had announced that its vaccine was 94.5 per cent e ective. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the second penalty,â&#x20AC;? declared Professor Van-Tam. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also gone into the back of the net!â&#x20AC;? I like these positive metaphors. They give hope. But we're not there yet. More goals need to be scored by the team. But warnings are being given. We mustn't relax and 'think it's all over.' It isn't. The game, as it were, isn't just on the pitch. To use a di erent analo y, if there were a war, the 'war e ort' is not just fought on the front lines, it's also at home. I remember reading about the landlord of the Ship Pub in Guisborough that was ned in WWII for breaking the blackout rules. You can just imagine the warden walking into the bar and saying to the landlord, "Don't you know there's a war on!?" We might say something similar to people who are careless about socially-distancing during lockdown. The hope of a vaccine doesn't mean we make no more e ort. Going back to a sports metaphor, Paul talks about Christian life as being more than just having faith, or believing the right beliefs. We don't live passively because somebody else has done the work, we 'press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.' (Philippians 3 v 14). What a great verse! It reminds us that there's a prize to be won that is worth winning, there's a goal to reach that's worth the e ort. The ultimate 'reward', the prospect of glory is Jesus himself. It's our sure and certain hope - but let's not give up. Keep on believing! When all my labours and trials are oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore, Will through the ages be glory for me.

Oh, that will be glory for me, Glory for me, glory for me, When by His grace I shall look on His face, That will be glory, be glory for me.

Lord, help me not to give up or lose hope. Even in these di cult times help me to press on to win the prize, to ' ght the good ght of faith and to nish the race'. As the sun comes up each day, may the love of God that is new every morning be my inspiration and my motivation. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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19 November 2020

orning everyone. We hope you are well.

Do you worry? I guess we all do. It's natural. What I mean by that is that we are meant to worry, it's necessary. Is that a strange thing to say? Well human emotions are useful. We are afraid of things, we worry about things because if we didn't we'd put ourselves in danger, or we'd go through life unconcerned and apathetic. Fear is part of us so when confronted with danger we know that we should react to get away. Worry is meant, I suppose, to encourage us to do something - we feel a concern about a person or situation and we respond. Worry can become a negative thing if it lls our thoughts, troubles us, keeps us from acting positively. Worry might turn to panic. It can be unhealthy. We often worry about things that might happen, not taking into consideration that they might not. I read something the other day where someone added the prospect of a harsh winter onto the pressures of the present situation. Why worry about that when equally likely we might have a mild winter. I remember last winter we basically had half a day of snow and that was it! Worry can be stressful when we start imagining the worst! So what's the remedy for the kinds of worry that is harmful? There's the old adage of course, 'a problem shared is a problem halved'; just to be able to tell someone how you feel, to share the concern, is a helpful thing. Sometimes getting another person's view puts a whole new perspective on a situation, or even life itself. It's one of the 'big things' at the moment with mental health issues: talk to someone, share the burden, let o some steam. When it comes to Christian people none of us are immune to concerns, worries, or even moments of panic. But 'What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer'. The truth of that line from the song is all the more encouraging when we recall the very rst line: 'What a friend we have in Jesus...' Do you tell him everything? Can you see Jesus as that 'go-to friend' who will 'all our sorrows share'? I like the picture that accompanies the Bible verse for today because it's of a mug of co ee and seems to imply what people often do: have a co ee and a chat with a friend, share a worry, have a laugh, set the world to rights. I see no reason not to do the same with God. Prayer, as I've said before, can be picturing Him in the chair opposite and talking to him - even out loud. Why worry when you can pray? A Salvation Army Chorus says, When I talk with Jesus, Bring to him my care, With his own sweet comfort Jesus answers prayer. Here's God's encouragement for today, let it build your faith as you speak to him. "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers." (Philippians 4 v 6 9) God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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20 November 2020

ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

I heard of two boys who ran away from home. Did you ever do that as a child? You packed a bag of sweets and your favourite teddy and stormed out of the house in a juvenile protest? Well these boys were like that. The rst boy had a box and he put a few clothes into it and o he went, getting no further than a local bus shelter. He was upset because he felt his parents ignored him. They're not friendly, he thought, they don't even call me by my name. If I leave they might wonder where I am. So he made his protest. The other boy had lots of brothers and sisters. It was a noisy household; it was loving but there was a lot of noise. And this little boy, not one of the older ones, and not one of the little ones, began to feel overwhelmed, neglected, not important. He didn't use those words, but he just felt 'not special'. And he thought that nobody would notice if he wasn't there. The noisy family would just carry on being noisy without him. And so he got a few things together in a bag and walked o down the road. Of course, they didn't go far and they were soon found. It's easy, I think, even as adults to feel that people are not interested, or that we are not known 'by name'; in other words, we wish more people knew us better, knew us more closely, appreciated us more. Like the second boy, in a busy world, a noisy world, we might feel that everything is going on around us, but where do we t in? Perhaps it's true that we can be lonely in a crowd. When young David the shepherd boy was in the elds with his sheep, every night he must have stared up at the millions of stars in the clear, dark sky and sometimes felt overwhelmed, insigni cant: "When I consider the heavens, the work of your ngers, the moon and the stars, what is man that you are mindful of him?" It's easy to feel insigni cant, 'not special' as the child thought of himself. But David realises that God does indeed care for us, each one, and thinks of us one by one as 'crowned with glory and honour'. We're not insigni cant to him, certainly not ignored, and God even says to us, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you', ( Jeremiah 1) and 'I have called you by name, you are mine.' (Isaiah 43). Today, know that God cares, he knows your name and loves you. Know too that he understands, he gently bears you up and calls you his child. Jesus, tender lover of my soul, Pardoner of my sins, and friend indeed, Keeper of the garden of my heart, Jesus, thou art everything to me.

What to me are all the joys of earth? What to me is every sight I see, Save the sight of thee, O Friend of mine? Jesus, thou art everything to me.

Refrain: Jesus, thou art everything to me, Jesus, thou art everything to me, All my lasting joys are found in thee; Jesus, thou art everything to me.

Here I lay me at thy bleeding feet, Deepest homage now I give to thee; Hear thy whispered love within my soul; Jesus, thou art everything to me.

May God bless and encourage you today đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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21 November 2020

orning everyone. It's Song Saturday once again, when we preview a song from tomorrow's worship. It's Christ the King Sunday tomorrow, and so the theme of all the songs is the Kingship of Jesus. Today I've chosen the chorus 'Majesty', that I remember being new. It's not new now - it's 40 years old and has been published in Salvation Army song books since 1990; and the tune has been given a really 'majestic' treatment (excuse the pun) by the Bristol Easton Band, as you'll hear tomorrow. Majesty, worship His majesty, Unto Jesus be glory, honour, and praise. Majesty, kingdom authority Flows from His throne unto His own, His anthem raise.

So exalt, lift up on high the Name of Jesus Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus the King Majesty, worship His majesty Jesus who died, now glori ied, King of all kings

The writer of this chorus is an American Pentecostal minister and author Jack Hayford, who is now 86 years of age. Interestingly, Pastor Hayford was given the American 'William Booth Award' (which I'd never heard of, but is apparently given to people outside the SA who have made a contribution to our ministry). Anyway, the chorus was actually inspired by Her Majesty the Queen (I wonder if she knows!). The Hayfords were visiting Britain in 1977, the year of the Queen's Silver Jubilee, and couldn't help but notice the symbols of royalty everywhere, as well as publicity being given to the Queen and her Jubilee celebrations. He began to consider the respect and the honour - even the Majesty - ascribed to the Queen (I think personally most Americans are a bit jealous of us having her!), and he wondered how much more attention we should give to the King of kings. He wrote, 'As we drove along, the opening lyrics and the melody began to form. I seemed to feel something new of what it meant to be his - to be raised to a partnership with him on his throne.' When they got back to California he inished the chorus, saying amongst other things, that it was, 'a description of the gloriously regal nature of our Saviour.' Something I will mention tomorrow is that Jesus is a different kind of King to the royalty or the heads of state, Presidents and Prime Ministers of the world. Jesus is King because of his resurrection, and before that, his death. He alone is worthy of praise and honour because he died for us. As the Good Friday hymn reminds us, He died that we might be forgiven, He died to make us good, That we might go at last the Heaven, Saved by his precious blood. That's why he's our King; it's because he died for us on the cross so that when we repent of our sins, when we believe in him and confess that he is Lord, we will be saved. That's why he's our King; it's because he rose again from the grave so we can also have eternal life with him. He is indeed 'the Lamb that was slain *'; and because of that 'he is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength, and honour and glory and praise.' (Revelation 5 v 12) He invites us to believe, to trust him, to accept him as our King. Tomorrow in Together in Worship we will do just that. See you tomorrow at 10. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;? * The lamb is a symbolic way of describing the sacri ice Jesus made of himself. Lambs were sacri iced in the temple as a way of gaining forgiveness. Jesus was called 'the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world'.

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23 November 2020

orning everyone, welcome to a new week. We hope you had a good weekend, and that you enjoyed yesterday's Together in

Worship. Well I got up in the dark again, as we all are doing, and there it was again that 'bright and morning star'. You may remember how I wrote about it a few days ago, and how it symbolises Jesus the 'Morning Star'. Well, this morning as I watched it twinkling while the sky started to brighten, the obvious thought came to me that countless people over many thousands of years, and right around the world have done exactly the same thing. They have gazed at that morning star. Some will have given it a religious signi cance - is it a god? Some have made it a supernatural thing - was I 'born under it', will it control my fortune? Since the Ancient Greeks the scientists have gained more knowledge, and now we know perfectly well that the stars are distant suns, and the morning star is just a planet that orbits the sun, re ecting it's light to earth's night sky. The Bible is careful to say that stars, sun and moon are just lights. While other religions worshipped them the Bible says from the beginning that that's all they are to us: lights. But there's one thought that is inspirational: if the stars, the moon and the sun seem unchanging, always present, constant and reliable in their appearance, how much more always present, constant and reliable is their Creator. Psalm 136 is a list of phrases, single sentences describing things God has done, each punctuated by 'his love endures for ever'. The writer mentions that God made the great lights His love endures forever. the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. To the Psalmist the ever-presence of these amazing lights in the sky, permanent, mysterious, placed in the vast expanse of space and totally impersonal, is testimony to something greater, eternal and wonderfully personal to us all: God's love endures forever. Almighty God and Creator, the Father of lights, I thank you today that your love endures forever. The sun comes up each morning and the starlight fades. At the end of the day the moon rises again as it has for countless years. But your love is even greater, more dependable, and it reaches to every heart. Father, you are the Lord and giver of life, and your love endures forever. I open my mind and heart to your presence today, to experience that love and to know that you care for me. Thank you for every reminder today that your love is with me. I pray for those who need you today, especially those who feel lonely, worried or tired. May they know that for them your love endures forever. In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a great day everyone, God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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24 November 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Last night I witnessed something that I have not seen very much of. I saw hope. Now, we see hope everywhere but this was the ITV News and the person speaking was a journalist and, to my shock, he was speaking with great hope and relief at the news that he was reporting about vaccines. Thank God for that! he said. It was nice not to hear any cynicism or scepticism. It was almost a moment of joyful relief for a news reader who has spent months reporting bad Covid news and often doubting what the government said. I found it interesting that the government, in response to the bright hope of cheap, e ective vaccines is giving words of warning. Don't relax yet, the tiers will be stricter. There's wonderful hope for tomorrow but don't ignore the reality. The PM says the virus will not give us a Christmas truce, and in his usual style urges us, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not blow it with a blowout this Christmasâ&#x20AC;?. Hope is a wonderful thing. It's a bit like a nishing line, or the destination sign on the motorway turn o , or the appearance of Roseberry Topping in the distance. When we see these things we know that the e ort of running the race will soon be over, or we'll be home soon. But the sign of hope, whilst it lifts the spirit, gives an extra boost to our e ort, or turns a tedious journey into, nally, a journey of expectation, is not a sign to give up. Hope does not mean we stop running, stop driving, stop concentrating. Hope is very much part of our faith, the way that Christians view the world. For us life is not an aimless journey that will suddenly stop. For us the world isn't just an unknown future with no real purpose. Our hope is that both IN this life and BEYOND this life, there is both a purpose to it and a person who plans it. Christians live in hope of a future when Christ will come again to set this world right - that's the Advent Hope. Jesus will return to make everything new. But we live in a real world today, experiencing the heights and depths of human experience. We are not immune to hardship and pain, but neither do we miss out on the joys and excitement the world o ers. The di erence is that hope lls our mind and heart. It's a 'now but not yet' kind of feeling. We live in great hope for tomorrow and that hope changes how we live today. Let's hold fast to that hope - not least because our hope is in Christ, and he is faithful. He will do exactly what he has promised. Lord Jesus, when I look around it's easy to ask, What is the world coming to? I'd rather focus on Who is coming to the world! You have promised to come to my heart. You have promised never to leave us nor forsake us in this world. You have promised to come again to the world. Such promises give me hope for today and con dence that tomorrow is in your hands. How that lifts my spirits today Lord. Help me always to live in unwavering hope whatever the world seems like today. My hope is in you Lord, and I know you will be faithful. Amen. Enjoy your day everyone. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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25 November 2020

orning all! Major Antony and Major Fiona here again.

We wake up to Wednesday and most of us will have plans for today, tomorrow, the weekend; some of us are planning beyond that to Christmas. I think time goes by so quickly because we spend so much time in the future. Maybe we should take time to think back and remember... Last night I transferred all my family tree folders into a shiny new plastic box, and out came photos I haven't seen for years. Small children smiled at me, long dead grandparents held me close, people sported beards, di erent hairstyles, interesting fashions. I was there again, and in a strange way they came to meet me... This morning I looked in my online photos for this day, 25th November. What was I doing in previous years: A day at Disneyland Paris in 2012, Fiona's graduation in 2016, a visit to Leicester Square Christmas Market where, horror of horrors, they were selling real reindeer skins! (Poor Rudolph!) And most amazing, heavy snow in our back garden on this very day in 2010. The camera doesn't lie and the computer le tells me it was taken at 10:19am. I looked at these photos and I was there again... The most precious memories for me are the ones that are not just mental recollections, they involve the emotions. You feel again the joy of a celebration, taste again the meal, smell the owers, hear the voices of the people long gone. You don't just have a picture in your head, you somehow enter the experience of the memory; you are there again and you might laugh or cry as you gaze at the picture and relive it all... When Jesus said, 'Do this in remembrance of me' at the Last Supper he used a very special word, a word that suggests we put ourselves there in the memory. He meant that when people remember the cross whether with bread and wine, or perhaps with music and prayer - we should 'put ourselves there', as it were. Be part of the memory, let it become real as if we had actually been there. To remember what God has done in the past is more than just remembering something that once happened, it's bringing the memory into your experience now. It's like reliving a moment captured on a photograph and feeling you're there again. I often have said that remembering what God has done in the past is an an encouragement to faith today. Remember the blessings of yesterday, feel their e ects once again. Recall the joy, the peace, the gratitude and let them become alive again. Sometimes when we feel that faith is low, that belief is abandoning us, that our desire for spiritual things has waned, maybe recalling our devotion of the past and the grace that God gave us might be the way to rekindle faith once more. Let the memories of the past live again, but allow the grace of God to be new for you today. O remember, O remember All a loving Saviour bore for thee! O remember, O remember Jesus dying on the tree! Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his bene ts. Have a good day today. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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26 November 2020

ello everyone. Greetings to you all!

Well here's an interesting verse of the Bible: "Greet one another with the kiss of love." (1 Peter 5 v 14) Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always sure to raise a smile! It might be common abroad, it's a bit 'Continental' shall we say? Perhaps a bit posh. You go to other countries and you'll see men and women greeting each other with a kiss, even men kissing each other on both cheeks. But in England? Goodness, no. A stout and rm handshake or, at the most intimate, a hearty slap on the back is all that's required... Oh wait... Since March there's been no handshakes let along back-slapping, hugging or cheek-on-cheek kissing. It's been impossible in indoor public spaces to share a smile! The introverts amongst us are loving it! The rest of us? Well, it's a bit isolating. Last night in the Bible Fellowship (why not join us next week?) someone mentioned that what people miss today, what they really want, is relationship. We're missing the human contact. We can't mix freely indoors - indeed, we don't always feel safe to do so - and human contact is less than it was; even a smile is veiled behind a mask. I nd myself raising my eyebrows in greeting now, though I fear that might appear a bit threatening to some! I felt it all yesterday as I walked to the Army hall. I could see an elderly lady walking towards me. To be honest she looked like she had the cares of the whole world on her shoulders. I wonder what burden she was carrying; a sick relative perhaps, money worries, loneliness? And as I walked towards her in my uniform coat, I hoped she would lift her eyes from the pavement and see me so I could at least smile at her (neither of us was wearing a mask). But on she walked, and at the very last minute I let her pass without a word of greeting from me. I could simply have said Hi, and part of me wishes I had, but in that split-second I just didn't. I could have greeted her, if not with 'a kiss of love' (far too intense!) with simply a cheerful smile. And that's what Peter means in his brief instruction about greeting one another. He's not saying anything religious or theological, and in fact Paul writes a similar thing on a couple of other occasions. He's simply emphasising the value of human contact, of communication, of welcome, friendship and relationship. For many people I've spoken to, just getting into the High Street and seeing others, sharing a smile or raised eyebrows, and hearing an 'Owdo?' or 'Y'alright?' is all they need. I had a book of poems once, long lost now I think, in which a very brief poem spoke of the author meeting someone in the street. 'We smiled,' he wrote, 'and had communion.' Today, may you be able to greet someone 'with a holy kiss' or, if it will be a quiet day may you know the closeness of God. Thy name is joined with mine by every human tie, And my new name is thine, A child of God am I; And never more alone, since thou art on the road beside me now. Please remember we're a phone call away if you simply want to say 'Hi' (01287 636192 or 632191) God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;? đ&#x;&#x2122;&#x201A;

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27 November 2020

orning all, welcome to Friday. We hope you are well!

I missed an important event yesterday. Well, it's important to one whole nation at least, because in the United States of America it was Thanksgiving Day. It passed me by really, but I understand that next to Christmas, Thanksgiving Day is the most important occasion in the American year; for some people perhaps it's even more so. At Thanksgiving, American families will gather together to celebrate; and that theme of thanksgiving and gratitude, and sharing things they are grateful for, is a huge tradition. Americans will tell you that the rst Thanksgiving was a harvest Supper celebrated by the English pilgrims in 1621. I guess next year will be a huge anniversary of Thanksgiving. We don't have a speci c day on which to be thankful but it's probably good to re ect every now and then on those things that are precious to us, those aspects of our lives that ll us with gratitude. I was talking to my mother yesterday who was reminiscing over her nearly 80 years, and she simply spoke about the good things that she's experienced in our family, recognising that they far outweigh the di culties. Simple gratitude comes from experience, and learning to give the good memories priority over the bad. I wouldn't want to be the kind of person that dwells on the kind of mistakes or regrets we all have. Thanksgiving Day in America is a day to deliberately and positively focus on what we are thankful for, even the small things, and to take the negativity out of our thoughts. The Bible says that by putting our roots down into God - in other words making him the foundation of life - not only will we have faith but we will know how to be naturally thankful; we won't have to try, we won't have to look for things to be grateful for, because in the words of Colossians 2 v 7, as our faith in God grows strong, we will 'over ow with thankfulness.' What a great turn of phrase. If the heart is full of gratitude it will over ow in feelings of joy and words of praise. Paul writes from experience about singing and making music in our hearts to the Lord, 'giving thanks every day for everything.' What blessings are you able to count today? What is over owing from your heart today as you think of what life has been and what God has done for you? May today - and every day - be Thanksgiving Day for us all. Father of all, giver of good things, can I praise you today for your blessings, your gifts and your graces? Where could I begin; indeed where would I stop? There's so much to thank you for, that once I start to count my blessings my thankfulness just over ows. Today I will dwell on those things that I am grateful for. I will praise you in my heart - I might even sing! - and maybe my thankfulness will over ow so that others will share my joy. I thank you above all, Lord, for your love, your grace and your daily presence. I thank you for Jesus, and I pray in his name. Amen. Have a good day everyone, may it be lled with things you will always be thankful for. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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28 November 2020

ello once again everybody, Major Antony and Major Fiona here with another 'Song Saturday' where we look at a song

from tomorrow's Together in Worship. This week: 'Hark the Glad Sound! the Saviour Comes'. I just LOVE this song! I love it for the words, I especially love it for the tune. It was written by Thomas Jarman in about 1803 and is called Lyngham, (though we in the Army have decided to call it Nativity - which is confusing because there's another hymn tune of that name). Anyway! It's a good rousing 'Nonconformist' tune that is mostly used for O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing but in Cornwall, and in Yorkshire too, so I believe, they sing the worlds 'While shepherds watch their ocks...' to it. Watch and listen tomorrow for this excellent tune with its answering parts and great harmonies, all set to the lyrics of a great Advent hymn. Philip Doddridge wrote the words three days after preaching the Christmas Day sermon in his church in 1735, and it's based on Isaiah's prophecy of One who was to come who would bring a message of good news to the poor, to 'bind up' the broken-heated and to proclaim freedom for the captives. Let me be honest and say I didn't know what binding up the broken-hearted meant, so I looked it up: it simply means to bandage, to tend a wound; in other words to heal, to nurse. It's fairly obvious, so I'm not sure why I didn't realise! đ&#x;&#x2122;&#x201E; The One to come will also set the captives free - it can't mean the guilty people in jail for crimes committed, so it must mean setting free those who are bound by circumstances, by sin, by regrets, by fears. Is this what Jesus came to do? It most certainly is; and he still does it today. Countless people have come to faith in Christ, and found they have a new life, a new purpose, a new sense of joy and peace. This is what the song is all about, how Jesus can change lives. It's no wonder we sing it with great joy; we know the experience. Christmas is a celebration of the One who came to Bethlehem but Advent is the time we anticipate his coming again. The whole world will be changed when he, the Saviour promised long, returns in glory. Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes, The Saviour promised long; Let every heart prepare a throne, And every voice a song.

He comes, the broken heart to bind, The wounded soul to cure, And with the treasures of his grace to enrich the humble poor.

He comes, the prisoners to release in Satan's bondage held; The gates of brass before him burst, The iron fetters yield.

Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace, Thy welcome shall proclaim, And Heaven's eternal arches ring with thy belovĂ¨d name.

These words are as relevant today as when Isaiah rst received them from God, when Jesus quoted them and when Doddridge turned them into a hymn. I think the world needs these words today. We certainly need the Gospel of Jesus! Join us tomorrow for Together in Worship from 10am and hear those great words sung. And may the singing and the message bring hope to us all. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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Welcome everyone to the last day of November! I can hear some people thinking, 'Really? How did we get here so quickly?' Well, yesterday was Advent Sunday and tomorrow is December, so it must be true in this fast-moving and very troubling year. Happy St Andrew's day to you, especially if you are Scottish or have Scottish parents (like Major Fiona) or if you are somehow related to William Wallace (like me!) Yes, Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland because apparently, though he was martyred in Greece, the legend says that some of his remains were brought to a site that is now the town of St Andrews. A chapel was built to house the remains and became a place of pilgrimage. The tradition is that poor Andrew was cruci ed on an X-shaped cross - and that's why the ag of Scotland is the X-shaped Saltire. In the Bible, Andrew is famous rst of all for one great thing: In John Chapter 2 v 40 it tells us that Andrew was Simon Peter's brother and that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the rst thing Andrew did was to nd his brother Simon and tell himÂ â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have found the Christ.â&#x20AC;?' Verse 42 says that Andrew â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;brought Simon to Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Here's a question: if you are a member of a church and have a faith, who was it encouraged you to go? You may have been brought up in the church of course (and many people are) but most people who decide to start attending church and to start believing in God do so because a friend invited them. It wasn't clever advertising, it wasn't someone like Billy Graham preaching a persuasive sermon, it wasn't even the local minister visiting or inviting someone. A survey said that 88% of people who are Christians start going to church because of an invitation. I'm going to guess that does include a family member. Simon of course, was invited by his brother Andrew, so it counts. I'm going to suggest that Andrew should be the patron saint of people who simply say, 'Come and see.' Nowadays of course there isn't much to come and see, not much to invite people to; so maybe the equivalent is people who share a video on Facebook with a friend, who tag someone into someone's helpful post about faith, someone who says on Facebook 'I'm praying for you.' I wonder if Andrew was nervous about inviting his brother to meet Jesus. Maybe Andrew was the religious one and Simon wasn't that interested. But how pleased Andrew was when Simon himself became so committed to Jesus that he became the leader of the group with his new name, Peter! Let me encourage you to share an invitation to someone. Share a Sunday YouTube with someone, share a Bible verse you see on Facebook - just tag them or share it with them. You might be the start of a great journey of faith for them. Nearly 40 years ago, a friend of mine was invited to The Salvation Army in Blackpool by his slightly older brother. He replied, 'I'm not going in there; once you're in they'll never let you out!' Well, he did go; and he got converted, and now he's a Major who is very glad his brother invited him and persisted. Thank God for the people who encouraged you to believe, to stay in the church, or to attend for the rst time. Is there someone you could invite - or simply share a video with? Be an 'Andrew'. Be a saint! Have a great day everyone. God bless you đ&#x;&#x2122;?

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30 November 2020

Index of Bible Verses - November Genesis 8 v 1 Joshua 24 v 15 Psalm 8 v 5 Psalm 46 v 1 Psalm 57 v 7,8 Psalm 77 v 11 Psalm 136 v 9 Psalm 139 v 14 Isaiah 43 v 1 Isaiah 61 v 1 – 3 Jeremiah 33 v 3 John 1 v 4,5 John 1 v 41 Romans 5 v 5 2 Corinthians 5 v 17 Philippians 3 v 14 Philippians 4 v 6,7 Colossians 2 v 7 1 Timothy 2 v 1 2 Hebrews 10 v 23 Hebrews 11 v 6 Hebrews 13 v 14 1 Peter 1 v 8 1 Peter 5 v 14 Revelation 5 v 12 Revelation 22 v 16

2nd 4th 20th 5th 6th 25th 23rd 11th 9th 28th 13th 3rd 30th 10th 14th 18th 19th 27th 4th 24th 16th 7th 17th 26th 21st 12th

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Biography

riginally from Blackpool and Bristol, Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford, with 32 years experience as Salvation Army O cers, have served mainly as Corps O cers (church leaders), but also have experience of working in homeless services and in elderly care.Â Fiona is also a quali ed sta nurse working in hospice care in Newcastle and Stockton, and last year Antony completed a Masters Degree in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies. They have three adult sons and have been Corps O cers here in Guisborough since July 2014.

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